ANAHEIM, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2017) – A Western High School student was arrested Tuesday evening for allegedly threatening to commit acts of violence through multiple school shootings at Magnolia, Western, Cypress and Buena Park High Schools. A concerned Western High School student contacted Anaheim Police Department (APD) Sunday evening after seeing a troubling Instagram post screenshot on a Snapchat account.

APD personnel worked closely with school staff and neighboring police departments to quickly identify the student responsible for the plan. The student was identified and arrested prior to the school shootings threatened to occur on Friday, Nov.17, 2017 per his Instagram post. The student, a 14-year old male freshman and Anaheim resident, was arrested for making criminal threats and will be booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall.

The investigation has not revealed the student had the actual means or capability to carry out the threats and the schools are considered secure and safe. However, the timely notification and quick response highlights the partnership between the school districts, local police departments and APD, as well as our mission to provide a safe learning environment for Anaheim’s youth.

The arrests should also serve as a message to all that the school district and the police department take these threats seriously and swift enforcement action will be taken in accordance with the letter of the law. Parents, staff, and students are encouraged to “See Something, Say Something.”